Kenworth Trucks: The First 75 Years

For mine, there were not enough photos of the various models on offer, and only a scant history afforded to the different assembly plants...their opening and closing dates, and a list of all the current plant locations would be helpful.

There are photos of kenworths which are missing their model description. For example; the Australian Kenworth road train picture. Most readers would not know the model number, nor the years in which it was produced.

I would have thought that the W900 A extended hood model deserved a chapter of its own, with all the various big engine options listed and the fact that they are so keenly sought after today. See if you can spot one picture or mention of one in the book. While you are at it, look for a W900B as well.

As much as the T600 series may have revolutionised truck design, Canada and Australia produced their own models and these countries are largely glossed over.

If I was the President of Kenworth, I would have sent the author back to do the job properly. Much attention was focussed on the recent and current model line ups at the cost of the older ( and dare I say) more popular models. While it is easy to get new truck brochures showing interiors etc, it is the older models which are more difficult to obtain details on and it is these which hold moch appeal for fans.

This book took the easy route, and as one reviewer has pointed out, some of the writing reads like a truck brochure...thinly disguised advertising, and that is becasue some of the material is from the truck brochures.

So, if you are into Kenworth by all means buy this book. Just do not expect everything to be there. Some day someone will be passionate and thorough enough to produce a book on Kenworth that rivals those written about Peterbilt and Mack.

If you want to learn more about Kenworth, and in particular Paccar, hunt down a copy of "Paccar The Pursuit Of Quality" by Alex Groner.


I really love Kenworth, The First 75 Years!   February 11, 2000
 11 out of 13 found this review helpful

I can't put it down! I read it during my lunch, and when I come home from work. I am not a trucker, but have always thought about it. The text, and photos are just WONDERFUL! As a kid, my family drove from CA. to N.Y. many times, and over the years, I guess, I became partial to the Kenworth Truck. Anyways, THANKS very much to Documentary Books for producing such a wonderful, well researched, beautifully (!) photographed book.


A glossy history of Kenworth, thin on substance...   October 22, 1999
 11 out of 11 found this review helpful

This book is a quick read, with lots of photos and large text. It's mildly enlightening for charting a history of trucking, the development of the West, and the chronology of Kenworth models. The book is seriously lacking in depth, and comes across as advertisement frequently. A perfect "driver's lounge" book for dealers, and, of course, for display in the Kenworth lobby.


Definite Page-Turner   February 25, 1999
 3 out of 5 found this review helpful

It's a fascinating story that illustrates the actual development of the American West through the experiences of one manufacturer -- not your typical "corporate" history. A wide array of interesting photos compliments the very well-written text. Chapter 8 was particularly good.